[Hiring] Program Associate - Software Engineer @WRI India

Role Description

WRI India is seeking a Software Engineer to contribute to the development of open-source digital platforms and geospatial tools across Programs such as Food, Land, Water, Mobility, Cities, and Energy. You will help build web-based applications, interactive maps, data pipelines, and AI-assisted tools that support WRI India's research and programmatic work across food systems, land use, water, and climate. This is a hands-on, learning-oriented role for someone eager to apply modern software engineering to solve for the challenges in India.

What You Will Do

• Platform development and engineering (60%)
  • Build and maintain full-stack web applications using JavaScript frameworks (React or Vue.js) and Python or Node.js backends, following WRI India's engineering standards.
  • Build RESTful APIs to expose environmental and geospatial data to internal tools and external partners.
  • Implement automated tests, write clear documentation, and follow version control and code review practices using Git and GitHub.
  • Deploy and maintain applications on cloud platforms (AWS or GCP), using containerisation tools such as Docker.
• AI tools and research support (30%)
  • Assist in integrating AI and ML tools into research and programmatic workflows — including LLM APIs, geospatial classification models, and automated data extraction pipelines.
  • Build lightweight AI-assisted tools such as document analysis utilities, chatbots for internal use, or RAG (retrieval-augmented generation) pipelines using open-source frameworks (LangChain, LlamaIndex).
  • Support researchers and program staff in using and accessing digital tools, providing troubleshooting and basic training where needed.
  • Stay current on open-source AI, geospatial, and web technologies and contribute ideas for improving WRI India's technical stack.
• Collaboration and knowledge sharing (10%)
  • Work closely with senior engineers, program managers, and UX designers to translate user needs into technical requirements and deliver high-quality features.
  • Participate in agile ceremonies (sprint planning, standups, retrospectives) and contribute to a collaborative engineering culture.
  • Contribute to open-source projects and communities relevant to WRI India's technology stack.
  • Document features, APIs, and deployment processes clearly for internal and external audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Geoinformatics, or a related technical field.
• 2–4 years of professional experience in software engineering, including internships and academic projects.
• Proficiency in JavaScript (React or Vue.js preferred) and Python for web application development.
• Working knowledge of geospatial concepts and tools — familiarity with PostGIS, GDAL, GeoJSON, or any mapping library (Leaflet, Maplibre GL, OpenLayers) is a strong advantage.
• Basic experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL preferred) and RESTful API development.
• Familiarity with version control using Git and GitHub, and comfort working in an agile development environment.
• Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS or GCP), Docker, or CI/CD pipelines is desirable.
• Interest in or familiarity with AI and ML tools — including LLM APIs, prompt engineering, or Python ML libraries — is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn new technologies.
• Interest in environmental sustainability, public policy, food systems, or related domains is preferred.
• A portfolio of projects (GitHub, deployed apps, academic work) demonstrating technical ability is encouraged.

Requirements

• Technology stack: Python, JavaScript (React or Vue.js), Node.js, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, GDAL, GeoJSON, Maplibre GL or Leaflet, Git/GitHub, Docker (basic), REST APIs, Google Earth Engine (familiarity), LLM APIs (basic exposure).

Benefits

• Potential Salary: INR 9,50,000 - 12,00,000.
• Health benefits: Health insurance for you and your loved ones for up to INR 8 lakhs.
• Term Insurance: Life coverage of 50 lakhs per staff member.
• Employee Assistance program: Promoting mental well-being and supporting staff in achieving a satisfying work-life balance.
• Health & Nutrition: Personalized diet recommendation from a certified dietitian based on physical health condition and lifestyle.
• Flexible work schedule: Alternative work arrangements for all who are eligible by nature of their job.
• Learning culture: Workshops and trainings to empower staff, encourage new learning opportunities.
• Rest and Recharge weeks: Encouragement to take time off to rest, rejuvenate, upskill, and pursue interests.
• Leave policy: Personal time off at 36 per year, along with public holidays, maternity, paternity, and adoption leaves.